How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Bounce House?

Last Updated on January 29, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Renting a bounce house is a fun way to add entertainment and excitement to a kids’ party or event. But before booking an inflatable rental, it’s important to understand the factors that influence the cost so you can budget accordingly.

This article will break down average rental prices, the elements that affect pricing, types of bounce houses, duration rates, safety considerations, additional services, rental tips, and key policy details to review.

With the right information, you can plan a memorable party while getting the best value on your bounce house rental.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Bounce House?

The average cost to rent a small bounce house for a day ranges from $75 to $200. Medium bounce houses rent for $150 to $400 for a day’s rental. Large and more elaborate inflatable rentals average $200 to $500 per day.

Premium or themed bounce houses tend to cost more, ranging from $300 to $850+ for daily rental. Regional differences and demand can also impact rental pricing. Renting for longer durations or on weekends/holidays will increase the total rental fee as well.

Buying your own bounce house with a blower ranges from $300 for small to $4,500 for jumbo or commercial bounce houses.

Bouncer Depot notes that the Fun House bounce house costs $70 for 8 hours, while a castle bounce house rental in Long Beach, California, is priced at $99 for 8 hours, excluding delivery and installation charges.

Prices for bounce houses and inflatables slightly vary from coast to coast and city to city. In New York City, prices start from $150 for a regular rental, with additional costs for overnight options, deliveries, and installations.

According to Fash.com, the average cost of a bounce house rental ranges between $30 and $50 per hour, with most people paying $140 to $280 for a 6-hour rental. The national average cost is reported to be $210, with a range of $100 to $640. Larger bounce houses or moon bounces with inflatable slides can cost up to $500 to rent for 6 hours.

Groupon writes that the cost of a small bounce house rental for 6 hours may be around $100, while a more elaborate slide-and-castle setup could cost up to $500. Standard bounce houses typically range between $100 and $250 per day.

An article on Party Favor Event Rentals states that bouncy house rental prices are reported to range from $200 to $275, offering an affordable option to bring life to any party or event.

On Xtreme Jumpers and Slides, Bounce house rentals start at $139 for a full day rental (6 hours).

Factors That Influence Bounce House Rental Prices

Several key factors determine the rental rates for bounce houses:

Size and Capacity

Larger inflatables that hold more kids will have a higher rental rate. For example, a 13×13 ft. bounce house may hold up to 10 kids and cost $150 per day, while a larger 18×18 ft. bounce house fitting 15+ kids could run $300+ per day.

Theme and Design

Elaborately themed and designed inflatables like bounce castles, water slides, obstacle courses, and sports arenas will have a higher rental cost than standard bounce houses. Specialty options are more expensive for renters to purchase and maintain.

Duration of the Rental

Most companies charge rental rates by the day or multi-day packages. Weekend and weekly rentals will have higher total fees but lower per day costs. Ask about discounts on multi-day rentals to maximize value.

Location

In high-demand areas like big cities, rental rates will usually be higher than in small towns. Find out if the company charges extra delivery/pick up fees for distant locations.

Peak Rental Times

Expect to pay more for rentals during popular times like weekends, holidays, and summer. Avoid booking for high seasons or book well in advance for the lowest pricing.

Additional Services

Charges for set up, take down, cleaning, delivery, generators, and supervision can all add to the total rental cost. Opting for these extra services provides more convenience at an added fee.

Insurance Requirements

Most companies require renters to have an insurance policy to cover any damages or injuries. This may be an extra cost for the rental.

Types of Bounce Houses and Their Costs

Bounce houses come in many shapes, sizes, and designs. More elaborate and larger rentals will be pricier. Here are some popular styles and typical price ranges:

• Basic bounce house – Simple enclosed inflatable with a flat bounce area. $100 – $250 per day.
• Bounce house with slide – A basic bounce house with an attached slide. $150 – $300 per day.
• Bounce house combo – Features a bounce area, slide, climbing wall, obstacle course, etc. $200 – $400 per day.
• Castle bounce house – Designed like a castle with towers, ramps, balconies. $300 – $500 per day.
• Inflatable water slide bounce house – Bounce house featuring a water slide. $350 – $600 per day.
• Sport arena – Shaped like a basketball court, soccer field, etc. $300 – $600 per day.
• Toddler bounce – Smaller inflated play area for babies/toddlers. $150 – $250 per day.

Bounce House Rental Duration and Rates

The number of days or hours you rent the bounce house for will impact the total rental fee. Most companies offer the following duration options:

• Half-day (around 4 hours) – Average cost $100 to $200
• Full day (8 to 10 hours) – Average cost $150 to $400
• Weekend (Friday to Sunday) – Average cost $400 to $850
• Weekly (5 days to 7 days) – Average cost $550 to $1,500

You’ll get the best per-day value from longer rentals. But make sure to accurately estimate your rental duration to avoid extra fees.

You might also like our articles on the cost of renting a dunk tank, mechanical bull, or buying cotton candy.

Safety and Insurance Considerations

Bounce house rentals involve some safety risks. Reputable companies carry insurance and follow safety protocols:

• Liability insurance – Rental companies purchase insurance to cover injuries. Make sure policies are at least $1 million.
• Operating procedures – Trained staff should handle setup/takedown and monitor bounce houses when in use.
• Renter’s insurance – Most companies require proof of homeowner’s or event insurance from the renter.
• Waiver – All adult supervisors must sign a waiver, releasing the rental company from injury claims.
• Safety rules – Follow all rules for number of occupants, age limits, footwear, restrictions on food, flips, etc.

Don’t overlook insurance and safety considerations when budgeting and planning your party. Proper supervision is also key.

Additional Rental Services and Fees

Basic rental rates usually only cover delivery and pickup of the unit. Services like setup, takedown, operation, and cleaning all come at an extra charge:

• Set up fee – Ranges from $50 to $200 depending on size and complexity.
• Take down – Same fee as setup, around $50 to $200.
• Generator rental – $75 to $150 if needed. Evaluate electrical requirements.
• Operation – $15-25/hour for staff to monitor.
• Cleaning service – Around $50 to $150. Or clean yourself and avoid the fee.

Look closely at what is included in the base rental rate and any optional services or fees when budgeting your total rental costs.

Tips for Renting a Bounce House

Follow these tips to choose the right bounce house rental and get the best bang for your buck:

• Rent from a reputable company with insurance, safety procedures, and good reviews. Don’t go for the cheapest option.
• Book early, especially for popular weekends and holidays. This locks in availability and the lowest rates.
• Accurately measure your yard or event space before renting. Rent a bounce house slightly smaller than the area.
• Consider your power source. Outdoors you’ll likely need a generator which may be an extra rental fee.
• Only get a rental duration to fit the hours you’ll actually use it. Extra days add unnecessary costs.
• See if weekday or multi-day rentals have discounted rates to maximize value.
• Ask about any coupon codes or seasonal discounts to potentially save money.
• Avoid additional services like setup, takedown, and operation if you can safely handle them yourself.
• Review rental policies and don’t assume anything is included in the basic rental fee. Ask!

Bounce House Rental Policies and Agreements

Carefully read all policies, disclosures, and rental agreements before booking a unit. Key things to review:

• Cancellation policy – Understand if deposits are refundable and any fees for canceling or rescheduling.
• Weather policy – Check on compensation if weather interferes with an outdoor rental.
• Responsibility for repairs – Know who pays for damage repairs if accidents occur.
• Time windows for delivery/pickup and proper setup/takedown instructions.
• Restrictions on ages, weights, number of occupants, and behaviors allowed.
• Disclaimers for any injuries that could occur and releasing the company from liability.

Final Words

Renting a bounce house for a party, fundraiser or event is an enjoyable way to provide hours of entertainment. But it’s important to research in advance to get the most for your money.

Bounce house rentals can range from $75 to over $500 per day depending on size, design, duration, services, and other factors. Read policies closely so there are no surprises.

And focus on safety – proper set up, monitoring, rules, and insurance are essential. With reasonable expectations of rental costs and smart planning, a bounce house rental can provide fun memories without busting your party budget.

Average Costs:

• Small Bounce House: $75 – $200 per day
• Medium Bounce House: $150 – $400 per day
• Large/Premium Bounce House: $200 – $500+ per day
• Themed Bounce Houses: $300 – $850+ per day

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a bouncy castle?

The average cost to rent a bouncy castle for a day ranges from $100 for a small castle up to $500+ for a large, premium castle. Basic bouncy castles usually run $150 to $300 per day.

The exact rate depends on the size, design, duration, and services included. Weekend or multi-day rentals can offer discounts. Renting from a reputable company and booking early ensures availability and the lowest rental rate for your party.

How much room do I need for a bounce house?

Most bounce house rentals require a space about 2-3 feet larger than the size of the inflated bounce area. For example, a 13×13 ft bounce house needs around 15×15 ft of space.

Make sure to measure your yard or event area before renting to ensure you have adequate room. Obstacles like trees and fences need to be avoided within the needed space. An unobstructed area that is level and free of debris is ideal for safe placement and operation.

Do you wear socks in a bounce house?

Yes, socks are required for using a bounce house. Most rental companies prohibit bare feet or shoes due to injury and cleanliness concerns. Socks provide grip and protect feet from abrasions.

Make sure to remind all guests to wear socks before entering the bounce house. Some companies may provide disposable socks if kids show up without them. Adding a “socks required” notice to your party invites is also a good idea to avoid issues!